Devotion
God Hires His Own Employees
David Jacobs

I was often an unruly child. I would fight with my siblings, talk back to my parents, lie about childish things and be about as imperfect as children are supposed to be as we learn life's important lessons.

My parents had tried everything to keep my three brothers and me in line; groundings, confiscation of favorite toys, cancelling exciting plans. These acts of discipline often seemed to provide temporary fixes to the problems that a household of boys provided.

One Sunday morning, as we prepared for church, my parents asked my brothers and me if we had cleaned our teeth after breakfast. I wanted 5 more minutes in front of the television so I lied and said I had. My parents knew I wasn't telling the truth because I hadn't moved since I crawled out of bed to enjoy weekend cartoons. My mother was furious: "how dare I lie about such a trivial thing?"

But my father stayed calm and enacted wisdom that I will never forget. Instead of shouting or losing his temper, he told me "Today you will confess to Pastor Chris. You will tell him that you lied to your parents, fought with your brothers and made back chat." Pastor Chris was such a pure, positive and thoughtful man. The thought of him knowing that I misbehaved made me feel a deep sadness. I turned to see Pastor Chris walking in my direction, eyes fixed on me, but he didn't seem mad. He explained that my parents had told him that I had some confessions to make. I said I was too embarrassed, that I didn't want to look bad in front of him and God. He laughed and probed me to keep talking.

I said, "You are a kind, patient and friendly person. And God created me, provides for me and keeps me safe."

He smiled, patted me on the head and said 'Does that not describe your parents, too?' and with that, he walked off, leaving me to reflect.

How embarrassed was I that I felt no shame in the way I had behaved for my parents, those who were doing God's work without a robe or veil?

It is almost impossible to overstate the importance of our pastors, ministers and missionaries (and anyone else who also helps keep the gospel of peace).

Prayer

They are our anchors in spreading the word of Christ, the compass that navigates others to salvation and the boat that carries us from sin.